sociology_000.jpg
It's not all about dirty laundry

Sociology

Welcome to Introductory Sociology. This course is an introduction to the social science called "sociology". There are several topics for examination in this course. As this is only a introduction it is important that you at least know the origins of sociology, its methods of gathering data, and some of the topics with which it is concerned.
Topics of study:




From each of the above five general topics we will at least study one chapter (or more). Be sure to note that there is a website linked to the text book, Sociology: A Down-To-Earth Approach 8th Edition by James M. Henslin, at www.ablongman.com/henslin8e. Be sure to use this website as it includes study aids for the chapter(s) studied. As well quizzes (m/c, short answer, true/false questions) will be done using this website.

Course Objectives and Expectations Objectives:
Knowledge:
Students will learn:

  • The purpose of sociology as a social science and how it contributes to man's understanding of his human environment.
  • The contributions of men and women to this discipline in generating perspectives on human interaction.
  • The role of the sociologist in modern society.
  • The purpose of social organization and social groupings in modern society.
  • The causes and catalysts for crime and deviant behavior.
  • The role of race, gender, class, sexual orientation, age, and capabilities in stratifying society.
  • The impact of the above on such things as politics, religion, the justice system, mental health, and the economy.
  • How gender issues impact the economy, society, and family life.
  • How the economy impacts on human relationships and behavior within a society.
  • How urbanization impacts on human relationships and behavior within a society.

Skills:
Students will:
  • Express their comprehension in a variety of tasks using technology and visual aids.
  • Develop reading skills and reading comprehension.
  • Develop their writing skills for a variety of purposes such as persuasive essays, narratives, expository essays and diagnostic writing.
  • Develop interpretative skills of human behavior from film, real life, photos, and real life.
  • Learn to foster interpersonal relationships to cooperate to complete class assignments.
  • Learn to develop oratory skills in classroom discussions and presentations.

Attitudes:
Students should:
  • Develop an appreciation for the various interpretations of human behavior.
  • Learn to understand some of the myriad forces that impact on our behavior.
  • Sense the power of economics in shaping human behavior.
  • Develop an awareness of their own role(s) within a community in shaping its future.
  • Become aware of how their behavior in their own community can shape attitudes in other parts of the world.

Expectations:

Grading:
  • Grades cannot be appealed after 24 hours has passed once assigned and posted.
  • Any appeal must be made in writing by e-mail within that 24 hour period explaining the reason for appeal.
  • No late assignments will ever be accepted. Once established, due dates are in stone. A grade of zero will be assigned for said assignment.
  • Tests/quizzes will be challenging. Trust me, I will test anything and everything in the text and what happens in class. Pay attention.
Classroom:
  • You are expected to come to all classes with your notebook, text book, pens, and your laptop computers. I am not responsible for lending any of you my charger, pens, pencils, or allowing you to use my printer. No one else is responsible for you but you. BE RESPONSIBLE.
  • Do not turn on your computer unless told to do so.
  • Using the computer for anything other than sociology while in class will result in suspension of your use of the computer in the classroom. Any infraction of this nature will be directed to Mr. Otis.
  • Use of English is mandatory. Use of Korean or any other language other than English will result in detention(s).
  • If you sleep in class, you have a problem: a detention (during which time you cannot sleep). Get to bed earlier...all of you.
  • If you have finished what is expected of you (including your homework), ask for permission to do something else. If you don't, you will get a detention.
  • You are expected to participate in all classroom discussions.
  • Pay attention and take notes. This is what good students do; I do not believe in spoon feeding information.
  • Do not hand in any homework, assignments, or projects done in pencil. Do them only in pen (blue or black), or on word processors.

Homework:
  • Read the text book. Your failure to engage in reading the text will most certainly result in a mediocre performance in this class.
  • If I do not address any of your concerns regarding a homework assignment, then be sure to address this during class.
  • I will not take in all homework, but I will at random take it in five pieces for grading. I will choose random students as well, so on one day I may only ask two students, or one. It makes no difference. If you did not do the homework, you will get a grade of zero.
  • I will not burden you with more than four hours of homework in a week. That's a promise. Use classroom time wisely.


Grading: See the attachment. If any adjustments should be made, let me know by Friday, February 6, 2009.